Check out the Bush administration's comment on the contradictory statements made earlier this week by Ashcroft and Ridge:

"We're aware some of this week's press reports could have created confusion in the minds of the public by attempting to highlight perceived differences between the departments of Homeland Security and Justice," a Homeland Security official said, choosing his words carefully. "We wish to put aside any differences and demonstrate we're on the same page and unified in our efforts to prevent acts of terrorism."

Oh, I see. The confusion was caused by press reports. I am still confused, though. In the concluding sentence, the administration says that they "wish to put aside any differences..." Would those be the "perceived differences" mentioned in the first sentence?